All the reasons Debbie Dingle will not be returning to Emmerdale as she asks Cain to visit Australia

Debbie hasn't been seen in years
Rebecca Sayers

Emmerdale aired another surprising mention of Debbie Dingle in tonight’s episode. Despite the update leaving fans wondering if she’ll return – there are quite a few reasons that seems unlikely.

Debbie was last seen on our screens during Charley Webb’s brief return in 2021 causing some havoc after it was revealed she was Al Chapman’s mystery woman. But before long, she headed off to Scotland with her son, Jack.

Over the years, Debbie has been barely even mentioned. Until recently, when her daughter Sarah had a cancer scare, and decided to try for a baby. But every time Debbie is mentioned, it seems more and more unlikely we will ever see her again.

Here, we take a look at all the reasons her return seems like a dream rather than a reality.

Charley Webb on Loose Women
Charley Webb left Emmerdale in 2021 (Credit: ITV/YouTube)

1. Charley Webb’s ‘fresh start’

After Charley departed in 2021, a source confirmed to The Sun that she was fully closing the door on Emmerdale. It came not long after her then husband Matthew Wolfenden’s race row on the set.

The source said: “Charley won’t be going back. The past few months have given her time to think about the future. And it is one that doesn’t involve Emmerdale.”

Speaking about her exit, Charley said at the time: “It felt like the right time for me personally to make that jump from Emmerdale. And I don’t have any regrets about it.”

Sarah with Cain and Charity in Emmerdale

Debbie moved away to Australia (Credit: ITV)

2. Debbie has never returned for family in the past

It’s never a quiet time for the Dingle’s in Emmerdale. Over the years there have been deaths, illnesses and destruction.

But no matter who has made the call, Debbie never comes back. Her own daughter has gone through some horrific ordeals, but still she chooses to stay in her own life.

Debbie Dingle annoyed in Emmerdale

Debbie hasn’t been back in years (Credit: ITV)

3. Debbie Dingle has a new life away from Emmerdale

It was quite recently when we learnt that Debbie has already started a brand new life for herself.

When Sarah called her to tell her about her cancer, Debbie had just landed in Australia with her new husband. And hadn’t thought about telling her family any of it.

It was clear that Debbie didn’t regret her decision – and she had no plans to change things.

Cain and Debbie hugging in Emmerdale

Cain was surprised to hear from Debbie (Credit: ITV)

4. Cain was shocked to hear from her tonight

Tonight’s visit to Emmerdale (August 18) aired a surprising phone conversation between Cain Dingle and Debbie.

Cain told Debbie he was “surprised” that she had even called to check in on him. And it was clear she was asking him to go visit her in Australia.

However, Cain was clearly not eager to do so, and told Debbie she should have came back for Nate’s funeral if she cared that much.

The phone call showed us that Debbie has actually very rarely been in touch with her family. And it’s not that we just don’t get to see it.

Read more: Matthew Wolfenden opens up about Charley Webb marriage split: ‘I didn’t expect it at all’